Retired Wallaby Drew Mitchell hopes for minimal change to the side to face South Africa on Saturday but a host of injury concerns may leave Michael Cheika with no other choice.
Australian quartet Israel Folau (ankle), David Pocock (neck), Taniela Tupou (hamstring) and Nick Phipps (ribs) have all been rested at the side’s Gold Coast training base this week.
Cheika’s side to play the Springboks will be named on Thursday, with the fitness of flanker Pocock and fullback Folau in particular a concern.
Folau missed the second Bledisloe Cup loss after rolling his ankle in the series opener, while standout Pocock has struggled with neck stiffness after copping plenty of attention around the ruck against the All Blacks.
Reserve halfback Phipps didn’t train at all on Monday or Tuesday after being pulverised in a tackle during his Sydney University Shute Shield grand final win last Saturday.
Rampaging Queensland forward Tupou is still recovering from a last-minute injury that ruled him out of the first Bledisloe clash.
Critics have called for widespread changes to the Australian set-up ahead of next year’s World Cup but Mitchell has asked for patience.
“They were blown off the park at the back end of both Bledisloes but the margins were pretty small,” he said.
“You rectify those small errors and it’s a hell of a different game.
“And if it wasn’t for one or two moments in the Irish series (they lost 2-1 earlier this year) we would’ve beaten the world No.2 and it wouldn’t look as dire.
“I think it’ll be a pretty similar side; we don’t need too many changes.”
The Springboks are also coming off a loss in Argentina and will present a physical challenge to a side that has questioned its own attitude and application since the pair of losses to New Zealand.
Queensland Reds forwards Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu, plus Brumbies lock Rory Arnold, are all a chance of inclusion after being added to the squad this week.
The Springboks have added uncapped Toulouse livewire Cheslin Kolbe to the squad that was humbled 32-19 in Argentina last month.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Geez I don’t know many people on TV that the station allows to talk down the product...
Jigbon
Guest
I find Mitchell punishing to watch and listen to on fox I want him to go away ..I want to blow my nose at him... I find he has no insights and whinges and whines and is ..just well useless as a commentator , is annoying and is , as previously noted , a yes man and apologist. Hoiles I like as he at least offers criticism and insight into what is being done right or wrong. But mitchel can go away.
enoughisenough
Roar Rookie
Yes Mitchell was part of the clique that installed Cheika into the position in the first place. It seems he cannot face up to the facts that the player lead coup that toppled McKenzie and installed Cheika has been a disaster for Australian Rugby. Mind you, its been a huge success for those at the centre of it, at least off field.
Laurence King
Roar Rookie
I am in agreement with your comments, I was just referring to the monstering that Phipps received on Saturday. However, I will say this in his defence, he played better than Genia in Bled 2 imo. Genia just looked like his heart wasn't in it and begs the question about the Wallabies in general, would they just rather be at the pub?
piru
Roar Rookie
To be fair, Phipps has no business being on the pitch during a test match
Happychappy
As long as the same old happens and players like Phipps are retained Australia will be lucky to win a game in the 2018 Rugby Campionship. A year out from the Next World Cup and if Genia breaks down you have a second rate half back to replace him when now is the time to introduce a new player to the test team and give him experience, you can't win the competition now so change the half back and first five to grow experience for next year.
John R
Roar Guru
No they aren't.
Highlander
Guest
Mitchell, Knee pads McArdle, Hoiles and crew do little to assist with either the education of the Australian rugby public nor the highlighting of tactical/execution issues within the Wallabies. They have role to play in holding their side accountable for performance, for both the ticket paying match attendees and pay tv customers,yet they choose to ignore selection and game plan shortcomings in favour of rather shortsighted cheerleading and excuse making. This current side is on a 1/7 run and that 1 was against a weakened Irish selection (which seems to be convienently overlooked in the discussion) Twelve tries were conceded in the 2 Bledisloe games - 12!!!!, that is a defensive disaster, where is the insight into this for joe public. Enlightened media analysis is a good start to holding players accountable.
Hoy
Roar Guru
Drew has been a bit of a disappointment in that he isn't prepared to criticize the fairly obvious issues we have, but instead plugs away saying how good we are at certain things... He is mates with most of the issues...
Silly Sausauge
Guest
He is a Fox Rugby employee which is basically the media and marketing arm of RA.
jameswm
Roar Guru
The game against SA.
jameswm
Roar Guru
It's true that the margins are small at that level. But we are constantly on the wrong side of those small margins, unfortunately. Making pointless and silly mistakes that kill any momentum, and not reading the game well enough.
Bullpit
Guest
Drew's to close the side I'm comfortable with wide spread changes, what have we got to lose.
John R
Roar Guru
What contract does Drew have with Rugby Australia?
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Commentators such as Drew Mitchell add to the malaise of Oz rugby, yes men that never question decisions but preen and purr to the ARU to keep their contract in place.
Laurence King
Roar Rookie
Mr Phipps did get rather smashed by a young giant. Must say he took it well though, not easy being caught between a hammer and an anvil.
linz22
Roar Rookie
“They were blown off the park at the back end of both Bledisloes but the margins were pretty small,” he said. Wow, they really do have their heads in the sand. No wonder they are getting worse “You rectify those small errors and it’s a hell of a different game" they are all in denial. Where did all the Australian Rugby brains go?